Kielee lost her battle with heart failure today. A sweet little girl that died the way she lived - purring to the very end while I held her in my arms.
Good-bye My Little One - see you at the rainbow bridge
We will never understand why Kielee was born with such genetic defects. Maybe she was a little angel, here for a short time to teach us more about heart disease. Since she was not in pain, the rescue decided to do everything possible to keep her problem treated and her living as normal a life as possible. Kielee loved everyone, nothing upset her. She purred her way through tests and treatments and often 'disappeared' with vet staff at visits. Everyone loved her. The Doctors and staff, along with rescue volunteers, learned a lot from her. Maybe that knowledge and experience will help another cat. What ever reason she was here, we are grateful for the time we had with such a special little girl.
This is Kielee, a beautiful 3 month old kitten. She is full of life and ready to be loved. Unfortunately, she has a severe heart murmur, possibly due to a "Patent Ductus Arteriosus"(PDA). PDA is a birth defect representing the second most common congenital heart defect of cats. If untreated, about 60 percent of affected cats die within a year of diagnosis. When caught early, and following treatment with successful closure of the PDA, most cats live a normal life with out any future need for medication. For Kielee this would mean heart surgery as soon as possible. She is seeing a cardiologist this week in hopes that her problem can be treated surgically and if not, what can be done to help her.
Update from her foster mom:
Unfortunately Kielee does not have a PDA. She has a very large heart and much is wrong with it. The valve between the upper and lower chamber on the left side is deformed and does not work properly, the left ventricle has heart disease and the muscle is hardening. She also has a partial blockage of her aorta so her blood flow is inadequate and will only get worse. Her heart problem can not be fixed. I can only love her until it is time for her to go to the rainbow bridge. It is very heartbreaking - she is so little and so sweet.
Many people will ask why we don't put Kielee to sleep now. Many don't want to know about her and her sad story. But that's what rescue is. It's not pretty. It's taking in unwanted animals and doing our best to make sure they feel loved, and have the basic things every living thing deserves to have. She is not in pain. Kielee plays like a kitten, although play is done in short bursts through out the day. She eats well and purrs her love on any lap or in any arms. She tires and naps frequently. She really doesn't know anything is wrong with her. When the time comes we will let her go with tears and a piece of our hearts.
Here are some links for more information on feline heart disease. Please support rescue and the people that are doing the research to help find cures for the curable. If you would like to help with Kielee's medical bills or help the rescue in any way, please contact us. We can always use volunteers, even if it is just to come and hug a warm purring body.
